This was a present from the wife of a chief on Manitoulin Island. Lady
Mary was much delighted with her present, and admired this new-fashioned
work in moose-hair very much. The feathers, Mrs. Frazer told her, were
from the summer red-bird or war-bird, and the blue-bird, both of which
Lady Mary said she had seen. The Indians use these feathers as ornaments
for their heads and shoulders on grand occasions.
[Illustration: THE PRESENT FROM FATHER]
Lady Mary recollected hearing her mamma speak of Indians who wore mantles
and dresses of gay feathers. They were chiefs of the Sandwich Islands she
believed, who had these superb habits.
"You might tell me something about these Indians, nurse," said little
Mary.
"I might occupy whole days in describing their singular customs, my dear,"
replied Mrs. Frazer, "and I fear you would forget one half of what I told
you. But there are numerous interesting books in reference to them, which
you will read as you grow older. You would be much amused at the
appearance of an Indian chief, when dressed out in the feathers we have
been speaking of, his face covered with red paint, his robe flowing loose
and free, and his calumet, or pipe, gaily decked with ribbons. The Indians
are great orators, being distinguished by their graceful gestures, their
animated air, and their vigorous and expressive style.
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